Australia: Under new legislation adopted in Australia’s parliament on Today, social media companies could face fines of more than US$30 million if they fail to keep young people off their platforms.
The proposal would require social media companies to take precautions to prevent people under the age of 16 from using sites like X, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
Noncompliance will result in sanctions of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million).
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Australia leads the way in attempts to clean up social media.
Australia is at the vanguard of effort to clean up online platforms, and the proposed age limit would be one of the world’s strictest rules aimed at minors.
Information on how social media companies plan to enforce the ban are unknown.
The proposed legislation would also feature strict privacy safeguards, requiring internet platforms to delete any age-verification information they collect.
Michelle Rowland, Minister for Communicating, claimed on Thursday that social media businesses were accountable for “safety and mental health” of Australians.
The rule places the onus on social networking sites, not parents or children, to ensure that safeguards are in place,” she told reporters.
Some companies, such as YouTube, will be exempt from the ban, which minors may need for homework or other reasons.
Rowland indicated that communications services like WhatsApp and online gaming would be exempt.
Social media networks, which were once hailed as a way to keep connected and informed, have been tarnished by cyberbullying, the distribution of unlawful information, and allegations of political tampering.
If the proposed legislation is passed, digital platforms will have a one-year grace period to decide how to enforce and carry out the ban.
Social media corporations have stated that they will follow new legislation, but have warned the government against acting too soon and without appropriate consultation.
Analysts additionally expressed doubt about the technical feasibility of enforcing a rigid age limit.
Katie Maskiell of UNICEF Australia said
UNICEF Australia’s Katie Maskiell said Today that the legislation being considered would not be a “one-size-fits-all” solution to child protection and that much more work was necessary.
She claimed that the legislation had the potential to force young people into “covert and unregulated online spaces.”
Several other countries have restricted children’s access to online social networking services.
In June, Spain passed legislation prohibiting underage users from using social media platforms.
Beginning in January, new legislation in Florida will bar children under the age of 14 from creating social media accounts.
The procedure for verifying age in both circumstances has yet to be identified.
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